Message Board - Machinery: John Deere ot Toro!!??
18 Jul 2008 by Aintgottaclue!!
Guys, I have been given an amount of money to buy a brand new fairway mower (for use on sportsturf) and we cant decide between the John Deere 7700 and the Toro 5510.
Have you ant views, experiences, running cost etc, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
I may cut grass, but i'm not green !!
19 Jul 2008 by turfjack
i've demoed both from prototypes to finished models. there is very little in them. however i am buying a 5410. i have some extremely steep hills and the toro's awd system is superior, hence my decision. (i'm guessing that's not an issue on sportsturf!!) my mechanic also prefers the dpa cutting units compared to deeres.
for me the only benefits of the deere was the fact our older cutting units could be fitted as they are the same and that as with all deere products the groomers run backwards (however toro has added a brush in between the groomer blades to compete), and again probably not an issue on sportsturf.
fortunaltely the toro was also quite a bit cheaper. service from the dealership is also important, my toro dealer is ok, my deere dealer is actually a little better but ultimately my decision was based on the awd system.
Alan FitzGerald, LedgeRock Golf Club
19 Jul 2008 by Sumomosr
As Alan says the DPA units are awesome. We have a 5510 with the 'Edgemax' knives and 600 hours. Still cutting paper cleanly.
Alan: the awd is still prone to rear wheel spin on our damp slopes but Toro offer a 'flow divider' kit for retro-fit which will cure this abberration should you need it.
Ours has just had the brake cables up-graded under warranty to include the return springs in attempt to cure the sticking 'on' of the parking brakes.
I've removed the grass shields (with dealer approval) from behind the wheel motors to allow the grass (which shouldn't buildup in the first place) to be washed out. There was significant corrosion to the hydraulic pipes and chassis already. (Pic added)
Otherwise the Toro is an amazing machine. Easy to service, comfortable to operate and holds it's cut well.
There' isn't much between them though and the Jacobsen machine is just as good.
Demo them all and quiz the dealers on their support. No machine is any good without the support.
We just got the cab fitted too. If you're going to be mowing in rainy weather you should demo a cabbed machine. Visibility is a big issue. Ask to visit a venue where they have a cab fitted if the demo machine is open.
We had the plexiglass scren replaced by a locally made curved glass but the wiper is sited at the top of the screen by design. The wipe pattern is a 'smile' whereas a 'frown' would give better visibility in the lower corners of the screen.
I'm pretty sure we can rotate the glass 180 degrees and improve matters. Hassle though.
GOGGA
20 Jul 2008 by Steve63
We demoed the JD fairway mower and found it too good for our fast growing grass! then tried their 1905 (I think) now that IS a grass cutter.
We are after a new tees mower and have demoed the JD and yesterday the Toro sidewinder, not a fair comparison like for like, but what a piece of kit the sidewinder is. Just got to get the bean counters to spend another 7K-8K on the slidy cutty thingy.
Climbed superbly at low speed (no wheel spin) cut beautifully and eliminated follow up round the bunkers. The Toro chap said that the way the three wheel drive prioritised the rear wheel was the key.
Regards
Steve
Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......
20 Jul 2008 by Torch
I think the JD and Toro machines are both good; the JD is a good machine for climbing steep slopes but the FTC attachments are flimsy and awkward to maintain. The Toro is too pricey for me but very reliable. I currently run a Jacobsen LF3800 and this a very good machine, resonably priced and generally reliable.
The answer is None more black.
20 Jul 2008 by turfjack
Sumomosr
i believe the flow divider (cross trax) is standard with the awd kit here. the demo had no issues climbing the hills but once i take delivery of mine who knows. thank's for letting me know as if i have problems i'll know what to do
Alan FitzGerald, LedgeRock Golf Club
20 Jul 2008 by Sumomosr
Hi Alan, We have the cross-trax which is the standard plumbing on the 5510 and I'm told that the flow-divider is in addition to that. Takes about 3 hours to fit and will cure the wheel-spin issue. I may be being incorrectly informed by our salesman though.
Torch, the Jac LF series are excellent machines.
Pic of our windscreen showing the curved glass (made locally) and the problem with the wiper failing to cover the important lower corners...
GOGGA
21 Jul 2008 by calcallaby
Steve 63, the slidy, cutty thingy is £4,850.00 dearer than the non-slidy, cutty thingy, enough perhaps, to bring it within financial reach.
Aintgottaclue, don’t think you will go far wrong with the 5410/5510 with DPA units and edgemax blades, superb bit of kit, we had 5 last year and will be getting 3 this year. We have had no issues with these machines at all, access is brilliant, cut is brilliant, operator comfort is brilliant and it enjoys a very good reputation worldwide.
Cal
21 Jul 2008 by Aintgottaclue!!
Thanks so far guys, we were edging towards the Toro but wasnt too sure.
I may cut grass, but i'm not green !!
21 Jul 2008 by Sumomosr
'Aint' I read in another thread that 'calcallaby' was selling some of his used fairway mowers soon (sharpened and new bedknives).
One of these may suit you and save you money as well?
GOGGA
21 Jul 2008 by calcallaby
No, you 'aint' read that, read it again.
Cal
22 Jul 2008 by MDM
Just as an idea.
We use the 3250's on our tees and apps here.
Could you not try the same?
3 x 18 Hole Championship Courses and a 9 Hole Par 3 Course
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